Today's contemporary home designs tap into the clean look of grand modern architecture'Äîbut they also soften it. You'll find more curves and rounded forms in domestic architecture than in its larger-scale commercial equivalent, along with some asymmetry. And, as with larger structures such as offices and municipal buildings, new homes use technology and materials to help reduce energy use and carbon impact while still maintaining a comfortable, enjoyable environment.
\nMirroring these trends in architectural design generally, modernistic and more environmentally friendly roofing trends are gaining popularity. Five of the most prominent are: reduced and flat roofing areas, cool and solar roofing materials, and hi-technology, impact-resistant materials. Here's what you should know about them:
\n1. Reduced Roofing Areas
\nModern architecture's bold, clear lines 'Äî combined with a shortage of roofing materials during the pandemic 'Äî have led to the development of homes with less roofing area. The lines are simpler than older builds, and roofs less likely to have gables, hips, dormers, or other added roof faces. Because smaller roofs require fewer materials, this can help keep costs down and help reduce the amount of material that can end up in a landfill later, which more homeowners and building owners are requesting.
\n2. Flat Roofs
\nOnce considered largely the preserve of commercial buildings, flat roofs are becoming popular in residential construction. Flat roofs can be beneficial because:
\n- \n
- They're aesthetically pleasing, providing the clean lines and geometric shapes that are the aesthetic highlight of modern style.
- \n
- They help maximize the available indoor space, allowing more living area.
- \n
3. Solar Roofs
\nAs the green building movement continues to grow, many homeowners are looking to help reduce electricity costs by installing solar roofing. In its modern incarnation, it's attractive, durable, and can be affordable with the assistance of federal and state incentives.
\nMany of today's photovoltaic panels are installed like regular roofing shingles and are attached to the roof face where they can collect the most sunlight. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to best suit a home's look.
\nThe rise in solar installations is expected to continue as long as the incentives remain.
\n4. Cool Roofs
\nHighly reflective shingles reflect more heat and sunlight to help keep homes cooler in the summer, which in turn may help reduce summer cooling costs. cool roofs continue to be a popular roofing choice in sunny, hot climates.
\n5. Impact-Resistant Shingles
\nIn hail prone areas, impact-resistant roofing shingles that pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance test can help give your roof a fighting chance against hail. These asphalt shingles typically use SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) polymer-modified asphalt technology for flexibility, which helps reduce impact stress. Shingles that pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance test are better able to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice from a 20-foot height onto various target locations than standard architectural shingles. It's important to keep in mind that although these shingles pass the UL2218 Class 4 impact test, manufacturers do not cover hail damage that may be caused to the shingles.
\nChoosing the Best Design for You
\nToday's modern roofing trends aim to provide the best protection and style while trying to address some common homeowner concerns. Consider consulting with a GAF certified contractor** to help you select the best type of roofing material for your home.
\n**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use.
"}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":14593,"3":{"1":0,"3":1},"11":4,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"15":"Calibri","16":12}">Much like fashions in clothing, building styles 'Äî including those of modern roofing 'Äî have seasons and trends. Homes built today are influenced by modern architectural design, which most often means bold lines and a minimalist feel. Very broadly, the modern style is known for features such as box-shaped structures, window walls, and open floor plans.
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-contemporary-architecture-4769079" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Today's contemporary home designs tap into the clean look of grand modern architecture'Äîbut they also soften it. You'll find more curves and rounded forms in domestic architecture than in its larger-scale commercial equivalent, along with some asymmetry. And, as with larger structures such as offices and municipal buildings, new homes use technology and materials to help reduce energy use and carbon impact while still maintaining a comfortable, enjoyable environment.
Mirroring these trends in architectural design generally, modernistic and more environmentally friendly roofing trends are gaining popularity. Five of the most prominent are: reduced and flat roofing areas, cool and solar roofing materials, and hi-technology, impact-resistant materials. Here's what you should know about them:
1. Reduced Roofing Areas
Modern architecture's bold, clear lines 'Äî combined with a https://www.buildings.com/roofing/article/10262788/supply-chain-strain-the-roofing-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">shortage of roofing materials during the pandemic 'Äî have led to the development of homes with less roofing area. The lines are simpler than older builds, and roofs less likely to have https://www.gaf.com/en-us/blog/a-glossary-of-roofing-terms-for-homeowners-281474979996192" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">gables, hips, dormers, or other added roof faces. Because smaller roofs require fewer materials, this can help keep costs down and help reduce the amount of material that can end up in a landfill later, which more homeowners and building owners are requesting.
2. Flat Roofs
Once considered largely the preserve of commercial buildings, flat roofs are becoming popular in residential construction. Flat roofs can be beneficial because:
- They're aesthetically pleasing, providing the clean lines and geometric shapes that are the aesthetic highlight of modern style.
- They help maximize the available indoor space, allowing more living area.

3. Solar Roofs
As the green building movement continues to grow, many homeowners are looking to help reduce electricity costs by installing https://www.gaf.energy/timberline-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">solar roofing. In its modern incarnation, it's attractive, durable, and can be affordable with the assistance of https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">federal and state incentives.
Many of today's photovoltaic panels are installed like regular roofing shingles and are attached to the roof face where they can collect the most sunlight. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to best suit a home's look.
The rise in solar installations is expected to continue as long as the incentives remain.

4. Cool Roofs
Highly reflective shingles reflect more heat and sunlight to help keep homes cooler in the summer, which in turn may help reduce summer cooling costs. https://www.gaf.com/en-us/roofing-products/residential-roofing-products/shingles/timberline/specialty-architectural/timberline-cs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cool roofs continue to be a popular roofing choice in sunny, hot climates.
5. Impact-Resistant Shingles
In hail prone areas, https://www.gaf.com/blog/residential-roofing/what-you-need-to-know-about-impact-resistant-shingles-281474980211483" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">impact-resistant roofing shingles that pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance test can help give your roof a fighting chance against hail. These asphalt shingles typically use SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) polymer-modified asphalt technology for flexibility, which helps reduce impact stress. Shingles that pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance test are better able to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice from a 20-foot height onto various target locations than standard architectural shingles. It's important to keep in mind that although these shingles pass the UL2218 Class 4 impact test, manufacturers do not cover hail damage that may be caused to the shingles.
Choosing the Best Design for You
Today's modern roofing trends aim to provide the best protection and style while trying to address some common homeowner concerns. Consider consulting with a https://www.gaf.com/en-us/roofing-contractors/residential" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GAF certified contractor** to help you select the best type of roofing material for your home.
**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the https://www.gaf.com/en-us/document-library/documents/documents/legaldocumentsdocuments/GAF_Contractor_Terms_of_Use.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contractor Terms of Use.